Textips systems

ABSTRACT

A textips system comprising: a text-tip assembly comprising finger-fit sleeves, and raised nodule(s). The text-tip assembly may comprise rubber. Finger-fit sleeves of the text-tip assembly comprises a raised nodule located on a finger-tip portion of the finger-fit sleeves suitable when used by the wearer-user to accurately touch-manipulate electronic communication devices and other objects. The text-tip assembly further comprises an isolator whereby the finger of the wearer-user is isolated from direct-touch-contact with the key to avoid the wearer-user experiencing pain in the finger(s). The finger-fit sleeves fits about at least one finger of a wearer-user or other embodiments may be simply adhesively attached directly to the fingertip. The finger-fit sleeves are deformable such that they can be fit on a thumb, an index finger, a middle finger, a ring finger and/or a pinky finger alternately or in combination.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from priorprovisional application Ser. No. 61/393,208, filed Oct. 14, 2010 whichapplication is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understandingthe present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of theinformation provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presentlydescribed or claimed inventions, or that any publication or documentthat is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of tips and morespecifically relates to text tips for use with electronic devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

Individuals in modern society often use cellular telephones tocommunicate. An increasing number of these communications are via‘texting’. Text messaging, or texting is the common term for the sendingof “short” (originally 160 characters or fewer, including spaces) textmessages from mobile phones using the Short Message Service (SMS). Thisservice is available on most digital mobile phones and some personaldigital assistants with on-board wireless telecommunications. Theindividual messages which are sent are called text messages or, morecolloquially, texts or SMS.

There are problems that may be experienced during texting. Particularly,the keypads of most mobile units tend to be very small, to accommodatethe compact size of the device itself. Even the smallest of adultfingertips can easily cover two buttons. Thus, as can be imagined, itcan be challenging to correctly type a text or dial a number when thefingertips constantly strike the wrong button(s). Not only can thisresult in embarrassing mis-typed messages, but can also lead to extracharges on one's phone bill from dialing the wrong number. Moreover,constant texting can increase pressure on the fingertips and thumbs,resulting in sore fingers and unattractive callouses. A means wherebymore accurate texting manipulation is achieved is desirable.

Various attempts have been made to solve problems found in text tipsart. Among these are found in: U.S. Pub. No. 2009/0289893 to JasonDrangel et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,464 to Winston Delano Lee; and U.S.Design Pat. No. D418,494 to Karl A. Robb. This prior art isrepresentative of finger appliances useful for data entry.

None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or incombination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. Thus, a needexists for a reliable text tips assembly/system to provide efficienttexting means for users of electronic devices and to avoid theabove-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known field oftips art, the present invention provides a novel textips system. Thegeneral purpose of the present invention, which will be describedsubsequently in greater detail is to provide efficient texting means forusers of electronic devices.

The present invention, textips system, as disclosed herein, preferablycomprises: a text-tip assembly comprising finger-fit sleeves, and raisednodule(s). The text-tip assembly preferably comprises rubber or othersuitable flexible yet substantially rigid material. The finger-fitsleeves of the text-tip assembly comprises a raised nodule located on afinger-tip portion of the finger-fit sleeves suitable when used by thewearer-user to accurately touch-manipulate the electronic communicationdevice. The text-tip assembly further comprises an isolator whereby thefinger of the wearer-user is isolated from direct-touch-contact with thekey to avoid the wearer-user experiencing pain in his/her finger(s).

The finger-fit sleeves fits about at least one finger of a wearer-user,ideally proximate an end and the front of a finger tip. The finger-fitsleeves are deformable such that they can be fit on a thumb, an indexfinger, a middle finger, a ring finger and/or a pinky finger alternatelyor in combination. In this way they can be used on the finger of theuser's choice.

The raised nodules are preferably tapered with the larger portionproximate the finger and decreasing in size down to a dulled-point(knob) and may comprises an adhesive on a backside of the raised nodule(such that it is removably attachable to a finer or a sleeve.) Theraised nodule of text-tip assembly substantially prevents the finger ofthe wearer-user from slipping off a key on an electronic communicationdevice. Further, the raised nodule(s) comprises a gripper to grippinglymanipulate the keys or other object being touched, thus slippage iseffectually eliminated.

The textips system may further comprise a kit as disclosed herein,wherein the kit comprises: a plurality of the raised nodules adhesively(initially) attached to a holding sheet; finger-fit sleeves; and a setof instructions wherein the finger-fit sleeves comprise rings andclosed-end-cap versions.

A method of using a textips system comprises the steps of: adhesivelydonning a raised nodule onto a finger of a wearer-user (as a ring;sleeve; or directly onto a fingertip surface); manipulating anelectronic communication device with the raised nodule wherein theelectronic communication device comprises a display surface with keys;and removing the raised nodule for a future use. The electroniccommunication device may comprises a tablet (touch screen or a keypadwith keys.)

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as atextips system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certainaspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have beendescribed herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all suchadvantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particularembodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied orcarried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage orgroup of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheradvantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of theinvention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed outand distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification.These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specificationillustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention,textips system, constructed and operative according to the teachings ofthe present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a textips system asemployed in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a kit of the textips accordingto an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a ring embodiment of thetextips according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 a is a perspective view illustrating the textips as attacheddirectly to a finger of a user, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 b is a perspective view illustrating a closed-end cap embodimentof the textips according to an embodiments of the present invention ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using textips accordingto embodiment(s) of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter bedescribed in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein likedesignations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to amanipulation device and more particularly to a text tips assembly/systemto provide efficient texting means for users of electronic devices

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of referencethere is shown in FIG. 1 a perspective view illustrating textips system100 as employed in ‘in-use’ condition 106 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

Textips system 100 of the present invention preferably comprises a lineof assistive devices specially designed to aid in accurately operatingkeys 174 on electronic communication device 170, thereby helping tobridge the gap between a large finger-tip portion 124 of finger(s) 150and tiny input buttons to improve the accuracy of dialed numbers andtext messaging on electronic communication device 170. Textips system100 preferably provides wearer-user(s) 180 of electronic communicationdevice(s) 170 with a more efficient and convenient means to manipulateand use electronic communication device 170.

The present invention serves to effectively eliminate the possibility ofsliding fingertips (on surfaces such as keys or touch screens) duringthe activity of pressing multiple keys on electronic communicationdevice 170 that are compact; textips system 100 may thereby increaseaccuracy in both dialing and texting on electronic communication device170. As such, wearer-user(s) 180 can be substantially rest assured thatwearer-user(s) 180 may be able to reduce the number of mistakes,unnecessary calls and texts that can increase a phone bill fromelectronic communication device 170. Saving money, textips system 100may also improve communication, effectively ensuring that embarrassingmisspellings are not transferred to message recipients of user-wearer180. Further, textips system 100 may alleviate the pressure applied byfinger(s) 150 when dialing or texting, preferably ensuring that painfulcallouses do not form on finger(s) 150 since finger(s) 150 do notdirectly contact electronic communication device 170.

Textips system 100 preferably comprises: text-tip assembly 110. Text-tipassembly 110 further comprises finger-fit sleeves 120, and raisednodule(s) 140 in certain embodiments shown for example in FIG. 4 a.Finger-fit sleeves 120 preferably fit about at least one finger(s) 150of wearer-user 180. Finger-fit sleeves 120 of text-tip assembly 110preferably comprises raised nodule(s) 140 located on finger-tip portion124 of finger-fit sleeves 120 suitable when used by wearer-user 180 toaccurately touch-manipulate at least one electronic communication device170. Electronic communication device 170 may comprise a touch screendisplay such as a cellular phone or a tablet or the like. Upon readingthis specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, designpreference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost,available materials, technological advances, etc., other electronicdevices such as, for example, PDAs, smart phones, etc., may besufficient.

Raised nodule(s) 140 are preferably tapered; however in otherembodiments raised nodule(s) 140 may comprise knobs, stubs, points,blunt-ends or other suitable geometry for manipulating electroniccommunication device 170. Raised nodule(s) 140 of text-tip assembly 110substantially prevents finger(s) 150 of wearer-user 180 from slippingoff a key 174 on electronic communication device 170, as previouslymentioned. Raised nodule(s) 140 further comprises gripper 148. Raisednodule(s) 140 preferably act as a gripper 148 having gripping meanswherein gripper 148 comprises a small surface area to suitably gripand/or touch objects. Not limited to use when operating electroniccommunication device 170, textips system 100 may also be utilized toafford a secure grip when counting money, leafing through the pages of abook, or searching through a stack of documents. Further, textips system100 may enable user 180 to pick up small or awkward items with ease.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view illustrating kit 240 ofTexttips systems 100 according to an embodiment of the present inventionof FIG. 1.

Texttips systems 100 according to an embodiment of the present inventionof FIG. 1 may comprise kit 240. Kit 240 may comprise the followingparts: a plurality of raised nodules 140 adhesively attached to holdingsheet 200; finger-fit sleeves 120; and a set of instructions whereinfinger-fit sleeves 120 comprise rings 300 and closed-end-cap 400versions. In alternate embodiments not shown text-tip assembly 110 maycomprise a plurality of finger-fit sleeves 120 to form together as atext-glove (not shown.)

Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference,user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements,available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents orarrangements such as, for example, including more or less components,customized parts, different tip geometries and/or combinations thereof,parts may be sold separately.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view illustrating ring 300embodiment of textips system 100 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention of FIG. 1.

Finger-fit sleeves 120 may comprise open end 128. Open end 128 offinger-fit sleeves 120 may comprise ring 300, as shown. Text-tipassembly 110 preferably comprises flexible plastic, however othersuitably flexible materials may be used. Finger-fit sleeves 120 arepreferably deformable such that finger-fit sleeves 120 may be fit onthumb 152, index finger 154, middle finger 156, ring finger 158 and/orpinky finger 160 alternately or in combination. Further, finger-fitsleeves 120 are adjustable to accommodate digit extremities of virtuallyany size. Text-tip assembly 110 preferably comprises rubber in preferredembodiments. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciatedthat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as userpreferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketingpreferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc.,other suitable materials such as, for example, other plastics,non-rubber material, and the like, etc., may be sufficient.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, perspective views illustratingclosed-end cap 400 embodiment of textips system 100 and finger-attachedversion, both according to embodiments of the present invention of FIG.1.

Finger-fit sleeves 120 as previously mentioned may compriseclosed-end-cap(s) 400 such that finger-tip portion 124 of finger-fitsleeves 120 is substantially enclosed therewithin. Raised nodule(s) 140preferably comprise at least one adhesive on a backside of raised nodule140 such that text-tip assembly 110 may be removably coupled repeatedlyto various surfaces. Alternately raised nodule(s) 140 may bemanufactured integrally with the various versions of the instant device.Raised nodules 440 may also be adhesively attached via adhesive 420directly to finger(s) 150 of user-wearer 180 in a user-preferredpositioning (as shown in FIG. 4 b.) Additionally, raised nodule(s) 140are user-locatable on finger-fit sleeves 120 (FIG. 4 a.) Universal indesign, textips system 100 may also be adhered to the tips of gloves, sothat user-wearer 180 who lives in a cold climate is not required toremove their gloves to call or text. Text-tip assembly 120 comprises anisolator 130 whereby finger(s) 150 of wearer-user 180 is isolated fromdirect-touch-contact with key(s) 174 to avoid wearer-user 180experiencing pain in finger(s) 150.

FIG. 5. shows flowchart 550 illustrating method of use 500 according toan embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4.

A method of using (at least herein enabling method of use 500) textipssystem 100 may comprise the steps of: step one 501 adhesively donningraised nodule 140 onto finger(s) 150 (or attached to finger-fit sleeves120—rings 300 or closed-end-cap 400, or glove versions) of a wearer-user180; step two 502 manipulating electronic communication device 170 withraised nodule 140 wherein electronic communication device 170 comprisesa display surface with keys 174 (or a touch screen); and step three 503removing raised nodule 140 for a future use (or non-use discard.) Thepresent invention as mentioned above can also be used for grippinglymanipulating a host of other objects for example when counting money,leafing through pages of a book and other such activities.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can becarried out in many different orders according to user preference. Theuse of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claimsherein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112,¶6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that,under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as designpreference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structuralrequirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., othermethods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orderswithin above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps,including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may besufficient.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary andnumerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readilyenvisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which areintended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention.Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially thescientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiarwith patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from acursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure ofthe application.

1. A textips system comprising: a text-tip assembly comprising,finger-fit sleeves, and raised nodule(s); wherein said raised nodule(s)comprise an adhesive suitable for removable attachment to saidfinger-fit sleeves; wherein said finger-fit sleeves fits about at leastone finger of a wearer-user; and wherein each of said finger-fit sleevesof said text-tip assembly comprises a raised nodule removably located ona finger-tip portion of said finger-fit sleeves suitable when used bysaid wearer-user to accurately touch-manipulate at least one electroniccommunication device.
 2. The textips system of claim 1 wherein saidraised nodules are tapered.
 3. The textips system of claim 1 whereinsaid electronic communication device comprises a touch screen display.4. The textips system of claim 1 wherein said finger-fit sleevescomprise a closed-end-cap such that said finger-tip portion of saidfinger-fit sleeves is enclosed therewithin.
 5. The textips system ofclaim 1 wherein said finger-fit sleeves comprise an open end.
 6. Thetextips system of claim 5 wherein said finger-fit sleeves comprisingsaid open end comprise a ring.
 7. The textips system of claim 1 whereinsaid raised nodule of said text-tip assembly comprises a knob whichsubstantially prevents said finger of said wearer-user from slipping offa key on said electronic communication device.
 8. The textips system ofclaim 1 wherein said text-tip assembly comprises flexible plastic. 9.The textips system of claim 1 wherein said text-tip assembly comprisesrubber.
 10. The textips system of claim 1 wherein said raised nodule(s)comprise an adhesive on a backside of said raised nodule.
 11. Thetextips system of claim 1 wherein said raised nodule(s) areuser-locatable on said finger-fit sleeves.
 12. The textips system ofclaim 1 wherein said raised nodule(s) are user-locatable on said fingerof said wearer-user.
 13. The textips system of claim 1 wherein saidtext-tip assembly comprises a plurality of said finger-fit sleeves toform together as a text-glove.
 14. The textips system of claim 7 whereinsaid text-tip assembly comprises an isolator whereby said finger of saidwearer-user is isolated from direct-touch-contact with said key to avoidsaid wearer-user experiencing pain in said finger(s).
 15. The textipssystem of claim 1 wherein said raised nodule(s) comprises a gripper. 16.The textips system of claim 6 wherein said finger-fit sleeves aredeformable such that they can be fit on a thumb, an index said finger, amiddle said finger, a ring said finger and/or a pinky said fingeralternately or in combination.
 17. A textips system comprising: atext-tip assembly comprising, finger-fit sleeves, and raised nodule(s);wherein said finger-fit sleeves fits about or to at least one finger ofa wearer-user; wherein said raised nodules are tapered; wherein saidtext-tip assembly comprises rubber; wherein said raised nodule(s)comprise an adhesive on a backside of said raised nodule; wherein saidraised nodule of said text-tip assembly substantially prevents saidfinger of said wearer-user from slipping off a key on an electroniccommunication device; wherein said raised nodule(s) comprises a gripper;wherein said text-tip assembly comprises an isolator whereby said fingerof said wearer-user is isolated from direct-touch-contact with said keyto avoid said wearer-user experiencing pain in said finger(s); whereinsaid finger-fit sleeves are deformable such that they can be fit on athumb, an index said finger, a middle said finger, a ring said fingerand/or a pinky said finger alternately or in combination; and whereineach of said finger-fit sleeves of said text-tip assembly comprises araised nodule located on a finger-tip portion of said finger-fit sleevessuitable when used by said wearer-user to accurately touch-manipulatesaid electronic communication device.
 18. The textips system of claim 17further comprising a kit, wherein said kit comprises: a plurality ofsaid raised nodules adhesively attached to a holding sheet; finger-fitsleeves; and a set of instructions wherein said finger-fit sleevescomprise said ring and closed-end-cap versions.
 19. A method of using atextips system comprising the steps of: adhesively donning a raisednodule onto a finger of a wearer-user; manipulating an electroniccommunication device with said raised nodule wherein said electroniccommunication device comprises a display surface with keys; and removingsaid raised nodule for a future use.
 20. The method of using a textipssystem of claim 19 wherein said raised nodule is directly adhesivelyattached to said finger of said wearer-user.